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Manaslu Stum Valley Trek, both of these fascinating high country falls within restricted areas in Nepal. At one time, Tsum Valley and upper Manaslu were forbidden for foreign visitors. Then in 1992, the upper region of Manaslu was open for foreign visitors and trekkers.
Read our 30 reviews on Tripadvisor (opens in a new tab)Similarly, Tsum Valley flung its door open in 2008, and these marvellous adventure trekkers require a special permit. It includes MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area) entrance tickets; this makes the northern Gorkha district a special area around the Himalayas.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek involves drives both ways to start the walk and after completing the adventurous treks. The walk begins from a lower warm farm village of paddy areas, following the Buddhi-Gandaki River upstream, crossing exciting bridges. The trail leads to climb to reach a cooler hill covered in lovely forests of pines and rhododendrons trees. Walking from one exciting village to another, then reaching Jagat, from here starts the restricted areas of Tsum Valley and Manaslu.
The first part of the adventure leads east towards remote Tsum, known as the Valley of Happiness. As the walk progresses, our route diverts from the main Manaslu trail towards Tsum at Lokpa, Chumling, and Chokang-Paro. Then reach the last village at Nile to reach the main high destination of Tsum Valley at Mu Gompa.
The highest point around Tsum Valley is at 3,700 m and 12,139 feet; enjoy the dramatic scenery of snow peaks. Located behind the massif Ganesh Himal, explore the monastery interiors of great cultural and religious of Buddhism.
On completing the end of Tsum Valley, after exploring lovely villages steeped with the traditional heritage of farm life. Our next adventure leads towards the main trails of Manaslu Circuit, situated in between the towering Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges.
The trail leads through lovely woodland to reach Lo-Gaon, an interesting village within high scenic Manaslu Valley. An exciting, scenic walk takes you to Sama-Gaon, located in the heart of Manaslu Valley. Have time in Sama-Gaon with rest days for acclimatisation and exploring its viewpoints, which is en route to Manaslu base camp. From Sama-Gaon towards our final goal of the adventure to cross the high Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m. The walk follows through the last village of Samdo to Dharmasala at the base of Larkey Pass.
The next early morning walk follows steep, undulating ups to reach the top of Larke-La Pass amidst an incredible panorama of the giant mountain range. Facing the spectacular views of surrounding Himalayan peaks, a long downhill walk brings you to Bhimthang, around the Manang areas.
From Bhimthang is a lovely walk down to Dharapani village, where our adventurous walks are complete with an exciting drive to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, our adventure concludes after a marvellous experience on the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit trekking is an exciting experience and worth the adventure of a lifetime. There are various wonderful things to expect on this adventurous walk around Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest peak. The first impression of these adventures is the beautiful scenery of landscapes with rolling green hills and valleys. Walk from the lower warm country of paddy fields to high green hills covered in lovely forests.
Line with tall rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and fir trees as the walk progresses towards higher country. The treelines fade to short alpine bushes of juniper and azalea (dwarf rhododendrons). An amazing journey where the trails follow the Budi-Gandaki River upstream to its glacial source around the scenic high Manaslu Valley. The close en route to Mt. Manaslu base camp on foot offers majestic views of the Mid-West Himalayas. Includes Manaslu, Ganesh, and Sringi Himal and walking through lovely traditional farm villages. Encountering Buddhist prayer monuments and monasteries, the villagers greet you with a cheerful smile.
The route Manaslu Tsum Valley is all uphill climbs with short downs and gradual winding paths to enjoy. The exciting part of the adventure, apart from the views and the impressive cultures, is crossing a unique bridge. Which is attached to a high rocky wall edge above the Buddhi-Gandaki River. This type of bridge, called a cantilever, is new in Nepal and around the Himalayas.
Interesting to know about the Manaslu Circuit High Valley; in the early days it was one of the major Trans-Himalayan caravan and salt trade routes of Nepal and Tibet. The trade still exists but in smaller ways than in the past before the 1960s. The walking trails are a straightforward route through lovely woods and farm areas. After Jagat enters Upper Manaslu and Tsum Valley and then reaches Manang, crossing high Larke-La and exploring the highland villages interwoven with Buddhist religion.
On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal International Airport received by Himalayan Friendly staff and a guide. A short drive to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city. At the hotel check into your lovely rooms with refreshing rest after a jet-leg. Our guide and leader will provide useful information regarding the trek, local lodge, food, etc.
Free day in Kathmandu for optional tour of Kathmandu city world heritage sites of few hours. Rest of the day preparation for the wonderful Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Depart for Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit, taking a private car, comfortable tourist standard bus, or coach. As per the size of the group, a long drive beyond Kathmandu Valley to reach Gorkha district. Located in Nepal’s Mid-West around Gandaki Zone, a country of mid-hills and heavily cultivated farm areas. After Arughat town a few hours’ drive on a dirt road to Soti-Khola the drive ends reaching Machha Khola. A moderate size farm village with several simple and basic lodges for an overnight stop. The name Machha Khola means a Fishing stream.
From Machha Khola, after a pleasant overnight stop, the first day walks head to cooler hills. Leaving the low sub-tropical farmed areas, the trail follows short ups and downs. Walking through the forest to reach Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring, time permitting enjoy the refreshing bath. The walk continues to Khola Besi and Dovan, a nice farm village. The climb starts for a few hours to reach Jagat, a moderate-sized hill village for an overnight stop. Explore the nice village and its culture, a blend of Hindu and Buddhist religions.
After Jagat, enter the Restricted Area of Tsum Valley & Upper Manaslu. From Jagat, foreign visitors need a special permit to enter Tsum Valley & Upper Manaslu till Dharapani village at Manang. The trail climbs to cross a bridge to Nagjet and Philim villages. The walk continues through well-tended farm terraces then into a cool forest to Deng. From here onwards within Buddhist culture, a walk follows a higher area. Slowly the long day walk ends reaching Pewa and Lokpa for overnight stop.
From Lokpa enters the Tsum Valley, and morning walks lead to a narrow river gorge. A short descent, and then a steep up reaching a forested path, lined with rhododendron and pine trees. The walk continues past smaller farm villages with a gradual climb to reach above the stream. The day finally ends on reaching the first village of Tsum at Chumling overnight halt.
After a first overnight in the Tsum areas, and having breakfast morning walk heads further east. The route follows through cultivated farm terraces and villages with views of Ganesh, Sringi, and Manaslu Himal. A short downhill to cross a bridge above Smirking Khola/stream to reach Chokanparo for an overnight stop. A nice moderate traditional farm village with lovely views of the snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the afternoon, exploring the village of strong Buddhist culture and customs adorned with prayer monuments.
Start the morning with grand scenery of beautiful landscapes, from Chokanparo, the walk leads closer towards our first main highlight. Enjoy the scenic walk with a side trip to an interesting cave of 11 saints, and Tibetan Guru Milarepa, who stayed here in mediation. From this tranquil spot, follow the trail on a windswept terrain, to reach an open scenic valley. As walk continues with views of Ganesh and Manaslu Himal. Finally, the day completes reaching the Nile for an overnight stop in a nice simple lodge. Probably the best overnight accommodation and food around Tsum Valley.
Staying another night in the Nile, as Mu Gompa, does not have good lodge accommodations with only simple food. From the Nile, after breakfast the morning hike with a climb towards the dry windswept country. Walk within dramatic scenery of surrounding beautiful landscapes with views of snow peaks. After a few hours of a steady walk reaching Mu Gompa, having a refreshing rest visit the largest monastery of Tsum. Treasures ancient relics with idols of Lord Buddha, and famous saints and Gurus. Explore Mu Gompa the highest and remote part of Tsum Valley. Interested people can enjoy a short visit to Dhephu Doma Gompa, a nunnery. After an interesting time at Mu Gompa, then walk back to the Nile for an overnight stop, to achieve the first highlight of the adventure.
After an exciting visit to Mu Gompa, from Nile Walk to Chumling, the return journey leads south to cross a bridge on the west bank. The trek continues past Chokanparo, with a downhill to reach Chumling for the last overnight stop around Tsum Valley.
The morning walk leads back to Lokpa, following a gradual ups and downs trail, then heading further down past Domje. Then end the day walks reaching Lokpa village for an overnight stop.
From Lokpa, back into the forest, lined with tall rhododendrons, pine, and fir trees. A slow and steady walk leads downhill to Bhi Bazaar, situated near the riverside, having a shortstop. The walk continues towards farm areas with nice cultivated terraces of millets and barley, then reaching Namrung. A lovely village for an overnight stop with grand views of Mt. Manaslu North Face, with an array of peaks.
Adventure today leads towards high Manaslu Valley around the lovely village of Lho Gaon. Having a good breakfast, then set off for an enjoyable scenic trek to Lo-Gaon. The walk follows with a gradual climb, within the cool shade of a forest of pine and rhododendron trees. Trek leads high above the Buri Gandaki River and then winds up through summer settlements of cattle herders. Finally, the walk completes reaching Lho-Gaon, one of the best and largest villages around Upper Manaslu. Located beneath the North Face of Mt. Manaslu, have time to visit the Ribung monastery of Lho-Gaon.
The adventure follows on gradual uphill trail around Upper Manaslu walking past several farm villages and Yak herder camps. An interesting walk on the high Manaslu valley, enclosed by high rocky cliffs and snow peaks. The view of Mt. Manaslu and Sringi Himal remains constant throughout the walks till the day ends reaching Sama-Gaon. The main village of Upper Manaslu Valley is well one of the highlights of the adventure. Check into a nice lodge, with time to explore the village to observe the local impressive Buddhist culture.
Day Hike either near Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Tal, or Pungyen Gompa. A rest day for acclimatization, before heading towards high Larke-La Pass. At Sama-Gaon, several best places to enjoy a long and short day hike, like a walk en route near Manaslu Base Camp. The best moderate hike of a few hours is visiting the Birendra Tal. A glacial pond en route to Manaslu base camp. One can enjoy the rest day with a leisure walk exploring the village and visiting an old Pungyen Gompa.
Adventure gets more exciting on reaching high and scenic Manaslu Valley, from Sama-Gaon, morning walk follows around the windswept terrains. The tree lines drop for high-altitude shrubs and bushes, as the valley becomes narrower. The trail leads towards wonderful landscapes to reach Samdo after a few hours walks but gets slower, due to altitude. After a pleasant trek of a few hours with a short steep up to reach Samdo for lunch and an overnight halt. Samdo is the last village before reaching the other side of Larke-La Pass at Manang areas. The village with more than forty houses with typical Tibetan style for more than two hundred inhabitants. Rest of the afternoon explore this last village of Samdo located en route to Larke-La Pass and the Tibet border.
Walk today is short and pleasant to the highest overnight stop at Dharmasala. The walk leads at the end of Manaslu Valley and Gorkha district to the base of Larke-La pass. The walk follows around the river bed, crossing a few streams to reach Dharmasala for lunch and an overnight stop. It is also called Larke Phedi, the bottom of Larke-La Pass which forms the boundary of Gorkha and Manang districts. Dharmasala, is a place with few lodges and a guest-house, during the high times of the trekking season. This place gets crowded with trekkers, and some groups have to spend on tented camps. In the early days, it was known as Larke Bazaar, busy market was held with buyers and sellers. Merchants, and traders from across the country as far from Tibet and Manang region used to visit to sell and exchange their products. Rest of the afternoon relax and prepare for the adventure to cross Larke-La Pass, early the next morning.
Today towards the final highlight of the adventure, after an early breakfast, and carrying pack lunch for the long day. Start the climb before dawn, heading up towards a high slope on a rocky gravel path above, the lodge of Dharmasala.
Climb contours on a winding steep uphill path, after hours of strenuous walking reaching Larke-La Pass. The top was adorned with prayer flags and a board with the name of Pass and the exact altitude. The hard effort was rewarded with a grand panorama of the Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayan peaks. Includes views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru, as far as Ganesh Himal in the Far East direction. After a tough climb, a long downhill to reach the western side of Phedi at Bhimthang for an overnight stop. A long descent leads through the moraine with Larcia glacier to Tambuche, the base of Larke-La Pass on the Manang side. From the bottom walk to Bhimthang overnight after a long, hard day, a lovely spot amidst green forest surroundings.
After a tough climb crossing Larke-La pass with a long downhill walk of the previous day. From Bhimthang to Gho is a short and pleasant walk for an overnight stop before ending the trek at Dharapani. From Bhimthang the route heads downhill to the valley of Burdin Khola/stream. Which is also the base of the West Flank of Mt. Manaslu. From the high ridge with fabulous views of Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna-II peaks. The walk continues over Dudh Khola, with a downhill to reach a narrow valley, amidst dense forest. After a good day morning walk reaches Gho for an overnight stop. Situated within a forest, a perfect spot for overnight after a long day crossing over Larke-La pass.
After a refreshing morning breakfast, walk downhill through the lovely cool forest to lovely Tilje village. From this nice place a short climb over a bridge above Masrsyangdi River to Dharapani village. Located on a motorable roadhead, at Dharapani our wonderful adventurous walks end. From here take the comfort of a local jeep or four-wheel drive, an interesting drive on a mountainous dirt track.
The journey heads downhill past Tal, Chamje, and Jagat villages winding downhill to Syange. From the drive follows the Masrsyangdi River till a large town Bhesishar is reached for an overnight stop. Bhesishar is the headquarters of the Lamjung district that extends to Tal Besi.
From Bhesishar depart from a nice hotel, then board in a car, or coach as per the size of the group. The drive from here on a good road, to join the main Pokhara and Kathmandu highway at Dumre town. Driving for more than four hours from Dumre town on a winding uphill to the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. Then finally the journey completes on reaching your hotel. Arriving by late afternoon or evening time. After a most mesmerizing adventure of a lifetime experience on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
As the time for your international flight, the Himalayan Friendly staff and guide will transfer you to Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport. Bidding farewell to guide, staff, and Nepal, check into the airport terminal. After a great mesmerizing adventure on Manaslu Circuit with excellent services of Himalayan Friendly.
Himalayan Friendly provides the best accommodation in the comfort of a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. On a 3 Star category Hotels in the hub of Kathmandu in Thamel.
One can upgrade the accommodation for 4 or 5-star deluxe standard hotels, on request. When booking with Himalaya Friendly. Which will be at an extra cost.
The hotel in Kathmandu is booked according to our standard itinerary days, in Kathmandu normally will be for 3 overnights. Please remember while in Kathmandu it will be on Bed and Breakfast basis. Includes welcome or farewell dinner only.
At the beginning of the trekking around overnight villages with simple lodges, with basic room accommodation. But clean and cozy on a twin-sharing basis, depending upon trekking seasons.
Higher up from Jagat, Deng, and Namrung facilities are good with tourist standards. In Lo and Sama-Gaon, the rooms are good with better rooms. Most lodge provides a large dining room to keep the rooms warm. But from Sama-Gaon and Samdo at Dharmasala, the lodge offers minimum facilities. Sometimes, trekkers need to sleep in tents close to the lodge, but from Bhimthang onwards to Dharapani, the lodge is better with standard accommodation.
For Tsum Valley, this route is newly open few groups of trekkers seldom venture. The lodge accommodation and food are simple and basic till the Nile. At Mu Gompa, spend the night in a dormitory around the monastery premises provides simple meals.
Around Tsum and Manaslu Circuit, only a few places have attached baths and toilets. Most lodges have common toilets and bathrooms this is due high altitude and cold climate. The plumbing systems and pipelines freeze in the morning, late afternoon, and nighttime. Nearly all lodges have common baths, one needs to pay extra for using hot showers. The price differs from one village to another, best to ask the price beforehand.
The food in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking one can find the best almost throughout the trekking. Starting from Machha-Khola, where lodge accommodations are simple but offer a good food menu. But limited choices of food items as per one’s delights with varieties of refreshing hot and cold drinks to enjoy. As the trek heads onwards to higher hills, at Jagat village the entrance to Upper Restricted Areas.
The food is nice with a comprehensive food menu of various choices from continental, Chinese, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepali foods. In some places, one can enjoy Japanese, Mexican, or Korean food items also. But in some places in overnight stops the foods are simple due to the nature of landscape terrains.
As well availability of fresh seasonal vegetables and meat products, but one can enjoy simple meals. Especially, the popular and famous Nepali Dal Bhat, a nutritious meal that keeps you stuffed for long hours.
But around Namrung, Lo, and Sama-Gaon to Samdo the food is the best as these villages are quite large.
Where most trekkers stay for overnights with nice food along with grand views of majestic Mt. Manaslu. The food in Dharmasala, located on the base of Larke-La pass, the food menu is limited.
Where all trekkers get crowded to cross over the Larke-La Pass, one has to suffice in whatever is available on time. For big groups of more than 4 people is best to have a set meal which saves time and fuels energy. In the rest of the places like Gho and Dharapani till Bhesisar Town the food is good and the best.
Reaching the remote trails of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is part of the adventure itself. The journey combines scenic highways, mountain roads, and rugged off-road sections through the hills of central Nepal. Depending on your comfort and budget, trekkers can choose between public transportation or private jeep upgrades.
Public Transportation
At Himalayan Friendly, public transportation is included in the standard trek package. Local buses and shared jeeps are the most common and budget-friendly ways to reach the Manaslu region. Although the roads can be long and bumpy, the drive offers beautiful views of rivers, terraced hills, waterfalls, and traditional mountain villages.
For extra comfort and flexibility, private jeep upgrades are available on request.
The journey begins with a full-day drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek. The route follows the Prithvi Highway before continuing through Arughat and Soti Khola on winding mountain roads.
A private jeep is highly recommended during the monsoon and winter seasons for a faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey.
After completing the trek at Dharapani, trekkers travel by jeep to Besisahar through scenic mountain roads and river valleys.
Private jeeps are a great option for groups or trekkers wanting a quicker and more comfortable return after the long trek.
Local Bus Option
Trekkers using local transportation will be assisted by their guide from the hotel to the bus station in Kathmandu. Local buses usually depart between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and the exact timing will be confirmed during the pre-trip briefing.
Since the drive starts early, we recommend requesting a packed breakfast from your hotel the night before departure.
Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara
From Besisahar, trekkers either return to Kathmandu or continue to Pokhara after the trek.
This flexible return option allows trekkers to either head back to Kathmandu or relax in Pokhara after completing the Manaslu and Tsum Valley adventure.
Solo trekking in the Manaslu Region is allowed only with a licensed guide and permits arranged through a registered trekking agency. Independent trekking without a guide is not permitted in the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley region.
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek falls under Nepal’s restricted trekking areas due to its remote Himalayan location near the Nepal–Tibet border. To enter the region legally, trekkers must obtain special permits, including:
These permits can only be issued through an authorised Nepali trekking agency. Checkpoints along the trail regularly verify permits and guide documents, especially after Jagat, where the restricted area officially begins.
Trekking with a licensed local guide also makes the journey safer and more comfortable. The Manaslu region includes remote trails, high-altitude passes, limited phone networks, and changing mountain weather conditions around Larkya La Pass and Upper Tsum Valley. Guides assist with navigation, accommodation, local communication, and emergency support throughout the trek.
Himalaya Friendly is always safe for our clients on treks and hiking. Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trekking.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is considered safe for trekkers who are physically prepared and travel with a licensed guide. The route is remote and includes high-altitude sections, but proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and careful planning make the trek manageable and rewarding. Himalayan Friendly also prioritizes safety with trained trekking staff, first aid support, and regular altitude monitoring throughout the journey.
Trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The trek involves daily walks of 5–8 hours on steep mountain trails, along with high-altitude conditions around Larkya La Pass. Regular cardio exercise, hiking practice, and basic endurance training before the trek are highly recommended.
Yes, you can safely leave your extra luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu during the trek. Most hotels provide secure luggage storage facilities for trekkers returning after the Manaslu and Tsum Valley adventure.
Yes, Himalayan Friendly provides airport pick-up and drop-off services as part of the trek package. Our representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel.
Outstanding Manaslu Trek with Ram!
Oct 2023 • Friends
Ram was an exceptional guide on our Manaslu Circuit trek. His knowledge of the region, professionalism, and warm personality enhanced our experience. He ensured our safety and well-being, making us feel like a family. Ram’s passion for the environment and local culture added depth to our journey. We highly recommend Ram as your guide in Nepal. Thank you, Ram, for an unforgettable adventure!
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